Insiders
Maldives Participates In The World Travel Market
Maldives Promotion House – The Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and representatives from Maldives tourism industry recently participated in one of the biggest travel trade event, the 32nd World Travel Market (WTM) that was held from 7th to 10th November 2011 at ExCeL London.
The Maldivian delegation led by the Chairman, Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed Waheed and the Managing Director, Mr. Simon Hawkins, of the Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) comprised of 171 participants from 70 organisations, namely resorts, hotels, tour operators and travel agents that participated in WTM 2011 under the Maldives’ banner. Some 35 companies represented resorts and hotels in the Maldives and also travel agencies selling resorts, hotels and live-aboard participated in this fair.
WTM, the second largest travel trade exhibition after ITB Berlin, serves as an ideal platform for Maldivian suppliers and relevant agencies to establish marketing networks with their United Kingdom (UK) and European counterparts. The Maldivian delegation updated the travel trade and members of the media in the UK and Europe on new developments and products in Maldives. Participation in this annual travel market helped to strengthen the presence of Maldives in the European market as WTM brings together worldwide buyers and sellers from every sector of the industry.
Maldives continuous support for this annual event demonstrates a firm interest in the UK market, which remains its main focus in Europe. The two-storey Maldives Stand with an area space of 276 square meters is prominently located at stand number AS300, next to the India and Mauritius stand. Maldives stand at WTM was designed to portray the dynamism of the tourism product developments in the destination Maldives.
During the event, the Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed received the award for “Long Haul Destination of the year for Romance”, the reader’s choice award conducted by Selling Long Haul Magazine.
Maldives stand was also amongst the six stands who received the Best Stand Awards at WTM which was announced on 9th November 2010. On behalf of the Maldives delegation the State Minister accepted the award for the ‘Best Destination Award’ given away by the Exhibition Director of Reed Exhibitions, Mr. Simon Press.
Maldives recorded a total of 669,172 tourist arrivals during the first nine months of 2011, representing a 17.7 percent compared to the same period in 2010 indicating a continuous growth of tourists to the country. The UK remains Maldives’ prime market in Europe representing 11.8 percent of the total tourist to the country.
The raw data from the first day of this year’s event reveals that a 14 percent growth on the visitors to WTM 2011 over the first day with almost 23,000 participants, with exhibitors higher than at WTM 2010.
News
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort appoints Thaaif Ahmed appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, part of Minor Hotels, has announced the appointment of Thaaif Ahmed as the Director of Sales & Marketing, effective 1 May 2024.
Thaaif brings nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, with a significant portfolio of roles within Minor Hotels. His career includes serving as the Director of Sales at NH Collection Maldives, where he played a pivotal role in driving revenue growth and fostering strategic partnerships.
Throughout his tenure, Thaaif has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities and a profound understanding of the industry landscape. His strategic prowess and collaborative approach have consistently delivered outstanding results, making him a respected figure within the organisation.
In his previous capacity as Cluster Director of Sales, overseeing Anantara Dhigu Resort Maldives, Anantara Veli Resort Maldives, and Naladhu Private Island, Thaaif contributed to the success and growth of the brand.
As he assumes the role of Director of Sales & Marketing at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Thaaif is poised to leverage his wealth of experience and expertise to drive brand positioning, enhance revenue streams, and elevate the overall guest experience. His appointment underscores the resort’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the hospitality sector.
Please join Stuart De San Nicolas, Cluster General Manager of Anantara Kihavah, Avani+ Fares and NH Collection Havodda plus Riaan Drever, General Manager of Fares in congratulating Thaaif on his well-deserved promotion. We also express our gratitude to Paul Counihan, for his support during our pre-opening and opening stages. Paul will transition to focus on Anantara Kihavah, our sister property in Baa Atoll, while Thaaif assumes leadership at Avani+ Fares Maldives.
Set on the natural tropical island of Fares and surrounded by the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve’s deep blue hues, the resort offers an abundance of aquatic adventures as well as pristine sandy beaches for pure relaxation. With 176 stylish villas, pavilions, and studios, Avani+ Fares welcomes couples and honeymooners, as well as families and groups, with a focus on multi-room accommodation.
News
Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives appoints Warren Moore as Executive Chef
Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives has announced the appointment of Warren Moore as the resort’s new Executive Chef.
Chef Warren Moore hailing from South Africa, brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise, having earned his Culinary Degree at City and Guilds Culinary Institute. With over 25 years of distinguished service in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry, Chef Warren is poised to elevate the culinary offerings at Seaside Finolhu to new heights.
In his previous role, Chef Warren served as Executive Chef at Jawakara Maldives, where he showcased his culinary prowess and leadership skills. Prior to that, he spent seven years honing his craft within various properties of the esteemed Crown and Champa Resorts Group. His culinary journey has taken him across continents, including stints in South Africa, Mozambique, London, and the United States.
As the Executive Chef at Seaside Finolhu, Chef Warren will oversee all culinary operations, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and food quality are maintained. His responsibilities include supervising daily kitchen operations, managing food production, and leading kitchen staff with a focus on excellence and innovation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Warren Moore to our team at Seaside Finolhu,” said Steven Phillips General Manager of Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives. “His extensive experience and passion for culinary excellence will undoubtedly enhance the dining experience for our guests and further solidify our reputation as a gastronomic heaven in the Maldives.”
With Chef Warren Moore at the helm, Seaside Finolhu looks forward to delivering unforgettable culinary experiences that celebrate the rich flavours of the Maldives and beyond.
News
W Maldives promotes Ahmed Zahir and Ismail Saeed to key management positions
W Maldives has announced the well-deserved promotions of two of its dedicated team members, Ahmed Zahir and Ismail Saeed, effective April 15th, 2024.
Ahmed Zahir, known as Coacha, has been promoted from Welcome Manager to Rooms Division Manager. Coacha’s journey at W Maldives began in December 2010 as a Welcome Agent. Over the past 13 years, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, holding various roles within the Welcome department.
Known for his dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences and his outstanding interpersonal skills, Coacha is a true asset to the W Maldives team. His experience extends beyond the resort, having served as a task force member at the St. Regis Red Sea and as a pre-opening trainer. He is also actively participating in the Marriott Kurimagu Program, a program designed to cultivate Maldivian leadership in the hospitality industry. With his extensive knowledge of Welcome operations, Coacha is perfectly suited for his new role as Rooms Division Manager.
Ismail Saeed, also known as Saito, has been promoted from Lounge Manager to Welcome Manager. Saito’s W Maldives story began in March 2010 as a Welcome Agent. He then transitioned to airport operations as a Lounge Ambassador in 2013. Throughout his tenure, Saito has displayed a strong commitment to personal growth, consistently developing his skillset. He has participated in a cross-exposure program at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, working in Housekeeping, and has also supported the resort’s Style operations in the past three months. This diverse experience across multiple departments makes Saito a perfect fit for his new role as Welcome Manager.
The appointments of Ahmed Zahir and Ismail Saeed underscore W Maldives’ commitment to nurturing talent and promoting from within. Both individuals bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and innovation to their respective roles, promising to further enhance the guest experience and uphold the resort’s reputation for excellence.
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